Top speakers in 2024 (UK)

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for a UK audience.

There is a general truth about audio technology: Not all speakers are created equal. But that’s true for the audience as well. Some people are content with something cheap and fun for their audio use – as long as they can hear what’s being played, the speaker is perfectly acceptable. But audiophiles fall into a very different category. The speaker needs to deliver a rich body of sound full of nuances.

Thankfully, we understand the demands and expectations at both ends of the speaker spectrum. Which is useful for you guys, because buying a speaker is not easy. In fact, if you’ve never bought a speaker before, it takes some research. There are many different speakers on offer, with many features and specifications to consider.

We think you’re here because you don’t have time for all that. Fear not, because we’ve done a lot of the hard work on your behalf and researched some of the best speakers available on Amazon. Here’s everything you need to know before shopping for a new speaker, followed by our top picks.

Do you need speakers?

Are you going to use your speakers only for music? Only for TV and movies? Maybe a bit of both? You have to decide on that now, because it will affect what kind of speaker you end up getting. For example, if you only want something to pair with your TV, a sound bar would be a good choice, but if you want something focused on music, consider a pair of bookshelf speakers or a portable Bluetooth option.

In addition, you’ll want to be aware of the type of sound quality you want – whether that’s surround sound, Dolby Atmos, or just plain old stereo (which is also good, don’t feel pressured to get something super fancy and expensive if you don’t really need it). Not all speakers produce the same kind of sound quality, so it’s important to know exactly what kind of listening you want to get out of it.

How much space do you have?

Speakers can be quite large, so consider how much usable space you want to dedicate to setting up your sound both horizontally and vertically. Not everyone has room for floor standing speakers, so don’t burden yourself with something big if it’s going to get under your feet or end up scraping the ceiling. There are a number of speakers that can be easily stored or hidden, some that can be attached to your walls, and some that are small enough to sit on a table or shelf. Small speakers can be powerful, too.

What are passive and active speakers?

The difference between passive and active (sometimes called “powered”) is very simple, but important to note. Passive speakers have no built-in amplification, meaning they need to be connected to a stereo receiver to work. Active speakers have everything built in from the start, including a preamp, volume controls, and inputs. If convenience is one of your priorities, go for active speakers, as they will require very little setup and additional equipment to operate.

How many speakers do you need?

Having two amazing speakers will always get you better results than having five average speakers. Also, having too many speakers will take up unnecessary space.

If you have a room, two speakers is the perfect number. It’s great if you listen to a lot of music, which is usually recorded in stereo – so having a left and right channel will do wonders. If you have a small space, even a single decent speaker should do just fine.

Do you need a subwoofer?

The short answer is no. You don’t really need it. Should you get one, though? Well, that’s a different question, to which we can answer: Sure, why not?! Adding a sub will make any audio setup sound better (not all are compatible, though, so be sure to check before you buy).

Another common misconception about subwoofers is that many think they add more bass, when that’s not true. Subs actually help improve the dynamics of said bass, not only increasing its overall quality, but also adding more depth and space to your output. Sometimes adding a high-quality subwoofer to your speaker setup is more helpful than upgrading the speakers themselves.

What is a smart speaker?

These speakers double as smart devices, which can connect to Alexa or sync with other smart home devices. They’re great on their own, but they’re not the best way to listen to music (sorry, Alexa). If you can’t live without a smart assistant in between setting up your speaker, we recommend something that’s Bluetooth-enabled and connected to your smartphone. That way, you get the benefits of your phone’s built-in smart assistant without having to ditch the speaker itself.

What are the best speakers?

We’re glad you asked. We’ve picked a favorite from each of the most popular speaker categories — from bookshelf speakers to Bluetooth speakers and everything in between — and ranked the best options for you to consider.

These are the best speakers in 2024.